(Photo of Montrezl Harrell: Gary A. Vasquez – USA TODAY Sports)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Following the first somewhat ‘normal’ season since the start of the pandemic, as well as the NBA’s first ever Play-In Tournament, the 2021 iteration of the NBA Playoffs have finally arrived. The quest for the sacred Larry O’Brien Trophy begins Saturday, May 22, and three former Louisville Cardinals have a shot at it.
Los Angeles Lakers power forward/center Montrezl Harrell, Utah Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell and Milwaukee Bucks small forward Jordan Nwora will all be leading their respective teams through the playoffs for a shot at an NBA title.
Charlotte Hornets point guard Terry Rozier, San Antonio Spurs center Gorgui Dieng and Golden State Warriors shooting guard Damion Lee had made the Play-In Tournament, but were eliminated.
First to take the court will be Nwora. While he only saw action in 30 games partially due to an ankle injury, averaging just 5.7 points and 2.0 rebounds, he heads into the postseason on a high note. In Milwaukee’s final game of the regular season, he made just his second start of the season, and put up a career-high 34 points and 14 rebounds.
Led by former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo as well as other former All-Stars, the Bucks clinched the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, and will face the No. 6 Miami Heat in the first round. Game one is scheduled for Saturday, May 22 at 2:00 p.m. EST on ESPN.
Next up will be Harrell. While he only started one game over his…
